Unions urged to curb striking construction staff

UNIONS were urged yesterday to restrain their members as wildcat strikes, primarily over black economy employees, led to the lay-off of more than 2,000 building site workers in Limerick.

Chains and locks were placed on construction sites yesterday, as the industry came to a standstill. The protesting workers are also highlighting health and safety concerns on sites.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) yesterday expressed fears of an escalation of the unofficial dispute into neighbouring counties.